Cycle safety clearly not enough after month of serious injuries

There have been an alarming amount of cyclists suffering from serious injuries while on the road, with even cycling royalty falling victim.

After some further research I found the rate at which cyclists were killed or seriously injured had significantly increased in the past year. According to The Times, measured as a proportion of distance-pedalled the rate rose by 9 per cent in 2011 compared with 2010 and 2012 was the third consecutive year in which it increased.

Every year in this country over 19,000 cyclists are killed or injured in reported road accidents according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), with 3,085 of these considered a serious accident.

These are shocking statistics and undermines the Government’s claims that it is becoming safer to cycle as a large number of cyclists take to the roads post Olympic and Paralympic success.

High profile crashes

I mentioned cycle royalty above as three high profile cycling accidents have occurred this month, sparking media attention and calls for road safety to be taken seriously. Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins was the first, knocked off his bike in Lancashire by a van. The Olympic gold medallist suffered substantial injuries including a bruised long, fractured rib and a dislocated finger.

The following morning, British head coach Shane Sutton was in a bike crash and suffered serious injuries as a result including bleeding to the brain and a fractured check. Finally Mark Cavendish collided with a van whilst training in Tuscany and fortunately only bruised an arm.

The reaction by the press has been overwhelming with stories springing up everywhere regarding cycling safety and the need for reform, bust as usual it takes a famous figure to get hurt before the Government and media finally stand up and take action.

Serious Injuries

My concern is the three year rise of serious accidents in the UK. As a legal expert I know all too well of the significant impact they can have on a victims life, with many often causing long-term injuries both physically and mentally. There are three types of serious injuries which regularly occur on our roads every year:

Limb injuries – These are one of the most common types of injuries with over 40 per cent suffering from arm injuries and around 25 per cent surfing from leg injuries.

Chest injuries – Abdomen injuries occur far less frequently however these are often serious with the majority often associated with a head or spinal injury.

Head Injuries – Around three quarters of cyclists are killed have suffered from a major head injury. These can range from fatal skull fractures and long-term brain damage to minor concussion and cuts. Hospital data released by RoSPA show that over 40 per cent of cyclists and 45 per cent of child cyclists suffer from a serious injury to the head or neck.

From working in the legal profession I would strongly advise anyone who has been severely injured by a driver to seek legal support.

About the author: Grieves Solicitors specialise in providing legal support and advice for victims who have suffered from a serious injury as a result of bicycle accident. Contact Grieves Solicitors to make a serious injury claim.